At Girling Law, we understand the potential challenges all landlords can face. While owning property can be rewarding, it can also pose many risks. Because of these risks, it’s vital that you consult a Wise TX landlord lawyer to protect your rights.
Importance of a Well-Written Lease Agreement
Your lease agreement is a legally binding contract that lists the obligations and terms both landlord and renter must adhere to. While the State of Texas allows lease agreements to be either verbal or written, only a written lease will fully protect you. Unfortunately, verbal leases can be easily misconstrued and manipulated. However, a well-written lease firmly states every detail, making it nearly impossible to misrepresent.
A Wise TX landlord lawyer can ensure that your written lease contains the following:
- Rent amount and due date
- Both party’s identities
- Every term and detail of the lease
- Security deposit amount and requirements
- Amount of pent rent
- Any potential legal recourse if lease is breached
- Legal obligations of both parties
- Terms of lease termination
- Eviction grounds and details
- Maintenance upkeep information
- Terms of holdover tenant
Landlord Rights to Enter a Leased Property
Texas preserves a tenants right to privacy. Because of this, your rights to enter a leased property are severely restricted. Even though the law doesn’t state a specific time frame for notifying tenants of entry, we advise giving at least 24 hours notice.
Fortunately, with the help of your Wise TX landlord lawyer, you can make sure your lease outlines the following reasons for potential entry:
- For requested or necessary repairs
- Touring a potential tenant around the property
- Inspecting the property for critical damages
- During any emergency where entry is necessary
We advise never entering a property that is leased unless for a reason outline in the lease agreement. Entering a property for any other reason not only opens you up to civil liability, but also allows your tenant grounds for lease termination.
When Can You Keep a Security Deposit?
Texas law allows you as a landlord to determine the amount required for a security deposit. The law also lets you choose where that money is held. However, it is vital to remember that the law does state that you must return that deposit within 30 days of a tenant’s move-out date.
When necessary, you can subtract funds from a tenant’s security deposit to cover certain situations. A Wise TX landlord lawyer can make sure you lease outlines the following reasons for withholding funds from a security deposit:
- Repaying for any outstanding rent
- Covering overdue utilities
- Paying for damages that exceed normal wear and tear
- Reimbursement for excessive cleaning costs
- For penalties and fees associated with a tenant breaking a lease
Remember, no matter the reason you’ve deducted from your tenant’s security deposit, take detailed notes and records. These records can include pictures of damages, videos, and receipts. Should you fail to take detailed records, your tenant can dispute your reason to keep their deposit.
Failing to return a tenant’s security deposit allows that tenant to sue you for three times the amount of the deposit, plus the cost of attorney fees. If you’re not entirely sure if you can withhold funds from a tenant’s security deposit, consult a Wise TX landlord lawyer before you make any decisions.
Why You Should Keep Up With Property Maintenance
In your lease agreement, you should outline your responsibility for property maintenance upkeep. Should you ever refuse to follow through with your maintenance responsibility, your tenant can make the necessary repairs instead. This will allow your tenant to deduct from their rent the cost of the repair. Most often, when a tenant conducts property maintenance, disputes arise. If these disputes ever leads to litigation, a Wise TX landlord attorney can help you defend your rights.
Evicting Tenants
The law allows you to evict a tenant for the following reasons:
- Failure to pay rent
- Participating in acts strictly prohibited by your lease
- Conducting acts of public indecency
- Becoming a holdover tenant
If your tenant engages in one of the reasons outlined above, contact a Wise TX landlord lawyer to help you through the eviction process.
Requirements of an Eviction Notice
Before legally evicting a tenant, you must first serve them an eviction notice. This notice of eviction should contain the following:
- Service date
- Eviction reason
- Tenant information
- Tenant’s move out date
- Statement describing your legal recourse for tenant removal
- Description for how eviction notice was served
When evicting a tenant for unpaid rent, the law requires you give three days notice before filing the eviction. Our Wise TX landlord attorney is well versed in the eviction process, and will help you legally serve an eviction notice.
Consult a Wise TX Landlord Lawyer Today
Protect your rights as a landlord and contact Girling Law to speak to a Wise TX landlord lawyer at 469-526-4588 today.